Sweet to subtle, bitter to strong, and everything in between…gin is a versatile choice for a big variety of tempting cocktails that encompass the full flavor spectrum. It also makes a great base spirit for many simple mixed drinks.
If you expect fantastic results, always choose an excellent gin for your cocktails. And with a great gin on hand and a little creativity, you can mix up a cocktail to appeal to just about every taste!
The Martini
Want a drink that says sophistication? Martinis fit the bill and are easy to make. Pour a little dry vermouth into a chilled martini glass and swirl to coat the inside of the glass, then dispose of any excess. In a shaker full of ice, gently swirl or stir the gin before straining into glasses. Garnish with olives, a lemon twist or a cocktail onion.
Gimlet
A touch sweeter, but packing a punch is the gimlet…basically gin with a splash of lime. Wipe the rim of a cocktail glass with a slice of fresh lime, then gently squeeze over the drink and drop it in. 2 ounces of gin to 1 ¾ ounces of fresh or Rose’s lime juice makes this frosty favorite.
Alabama Slammer
The Slammer mixes equal parts gin, Southern Comfort, Triple Sec, and Galliano to 6 parts orange juice for enjoying with friends.
Gin and Tonic
Probably the most popular gin drink, the gin and tonic is a classic. This simple cocktail is the ideal way to really savor the profile of gin and the juniper berries that give it a distinguishing taste. For a different cocktail, substitute ginger ale for the tonic, and garnish with a fresh wedge of lemon.
Tom Collins
This popular cocktail combines gin, club soda, sour or Tom Collins mix, and is finished with a sugared rim and fruit garnish.
Singapore Sling
This refreshing cocktail is a not too strong, not too sweet mix of gin, cherry brandy, lemon juice and club soda. It takes its name from the place where it was first invented.
Champagne Fizz
Want something a little different? Combine 10 ounces of London Dry gin with the juice of half a crushed lemon and ½ ounce of sugar syrup in a shaker. Blend well by shaking, then pour over rocks and top off with the champagne to enjoy with friends.
Tiny Ten
In a cold shaker, combine 1 ¼ ounces of gin with 5 ounces of sugar syrup. Crush and dunk ¼ medium sized grapefruit. Shake well and serve over ice. It’s a little tart, and very tasty.
Go ahead and bend the rules a bit! Gin is a versatile spirit that works for many cocktails, so try it in favorites like Long Island Iced Tea, or sip it straight on the rocks.
